Australian UFO Bulletin - 1990 06 - June

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: JUNE 1990
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated June 1990, offers a comprehensive look into various UFO phenomena, investigations, and related controversies. It features a mix of detailed case studies, editorial commentary, letters from readers, and news from international UFO research groups.

Editorial: Mystery Circles and UFOs

The editorial addresses the growing global interest in mystery circles, particularly those found in crop fields. It notes that while some theories suggest natural causes like vortices, the presence of UFO sightings in the vicinity of these circles warrants further investigation. The editorial contrasts the scientific approach of ufologists with the dismissive attitude of 'anti-ufologists' who, it argues, selectively ignore evidence that doesn't fit their preconceived notions. It draws a parallel between contemporary skepticism towards UFOs and historical resistance to new scientific discoveries, such as Edison's phonograph.

Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS) Office Bearers

The issue lists the office bearers of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, including Judith M. Magee (President), Paul Norman (Vice-President), Mark Sawyers (Secretary), Clive Yates (Treasurer), Steve Partridge (Membership Secretary), and John W. Auchettl (Librarian), along with Sighting Investigations Officers.

Membership Renewal

A notice is included for members regarding membership renewal, directing them to check the address label of their latest bulletin.

Contents

• The table of contents outlines the articles and features in this issue:
• EDITORIAL (Pages 2-3)
• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Pages 4-5)
• ON THE UFO TRAIL (Pages 6-10)
• THE TURRIFF GROUND RING SUMMARY (Pages 11-20)
• TERROR ON THE NULLABOR (Pages 16-17)
• WHAT PRICE CRITICISM! (Pages 21-22)
• UFO AFRINEWS (Pages 23-24)
• UFO NORWAY NEWS (Pages 25-28)
• PHANTOMS OF THE SKY (Page 29)
• THE MYSTERIOUS BERMUDA TRIANGLE (Page 30)
• FORUM HEARS ABOUT 'UFO VISITORS' (Page 31)

Letters to the Editor

Water and UFOs: Cynthia Hind, MUFON Co-ordinator for Africa, writes about her 17-year investigation into the UFO phenomenon in Africa. She discusses her initial theory that UFOs sought minerals but now considers Paul Norman's hypothesis about water being a primary interest. She recounts a case in Natal, South Africa, where a water tank was mysteriously emptied overnight, and another case where a craft requested water for an injured occupant.

Sightings in England: The section includes reports of UFO sightings in England, such as a 'black diamond' spaceship seen over Laindon and a 'multi-coloured square-shaped object' over the Thames estuary. It also mentions a college course on UFOs being offered in Ossett.

On the U.F.O. Trail: The Mallee (Victoria)

This article by Paul B. Norman details UFO activity in the Mallee region of Northwest Victoria, Australia. It highlights the contributions of VUFORS members Vera and Bert White and Allen Wilson. A significant event described is a sighting by the Whites and two other witnesses in 1976, where an object rose from a field, leaving a 72-foot circle of discolored vegetation. Experiments with the soil from the circle showed stunted grass growth compared to normal soil. The article also discusses the possibility of 'doughnut shaped' UFOs causing circular patterns, referencing a 1961 sighting near Wake Island witnessed by two airline crews.

The Turriff Ground Ring Summary

• This detailed report by John W. Auchettl documents the discovery of twelve ground rings in a wheat field in the Mallee district of Western Victoria on December 6, 1989. The rings were discovered by contractors harvesting wheat for the Jolly family. The report provides:
• Synopsis: 12 rings found in a 600-hectare wheat field.
• Discovery Date: December 6, 1989.
• Occurrence: The phenomenon was new to the family and surrounding farmers.
• Location: 0.3 kilometers south of the farm house in an adjacent wheat field.
• Terrain & Ground Cover: Lightly raised to flat, dry land with no rivers and little tree growth.
• Ring Description: Straight, well-defined walls separating standing and laid-down wheat. Rings grouped in pairs in a 'J' CURVE pattern, with larger rings to the south and smaller ones to the north.
• Ring Measurements: Various sizes were recorded, including two 12-foot rings, one 9-foot, one 85-foot, one 6.5-foot, five 6-foot, one 45-foot, and one 4-foot ring.
• Rotation Direction: All 12 rings were flattened in a rotary, anti-clockwise manner.
• Wheat Stem Patterns: Stems laid down in a crossed-over, layered, and woven pattern. In four rings, the central wheat remained upright.
• Ring Degradation: Rings began to disappear about four weeks after detection, possibly due to human interference.
• Human & Animal Activity: No evidence of animal or human intervention was found on the site.
• Research: Magnetometer tests recorded major anomalies, but radiation tests proved negative.
• Weather: Clear, cool, no rain for three months prior. Low water levels in the area.
• Soil Observations: Upper soil was hard, glazed, and compact. Wheat stems were not crushed but warped or twisted, with ears in a lazy 'S' shape. No seeds were lost. Lower leaves had black spots. The soil gave the appearance of being cleaned or brushed.

Terror on the Nullarbor

This section details the alleged UFO encounter of the Knowles family on the Eyre Highway in Western Australia on January 21, 1988. Paul Norman, a former US Navy engineer and UFO investigator, recounts the experience. The family's car radio malfunctioned, and they encountered strange lights. The object, described as a white light like an egg-cup, hovered over the road, causing the driver to swerve. The object then landed on the car's roof, and the family felt as if their brains were being pulled out. The car's right rear tyre was damaged. Samples of dust collected from the car were analyzed, showing unusual elements and fibers. The report notes that similar UFO reports occurred in the area on the same night.

What Price Criticism!

This article, likely related to the Knowles case, discusses skepticism and criticism from figures like Philip Klass, a debunker of UFO phenomena. It criticizes the tendency of some to dismiss UFO evidence and highlights the efforts of VUFORS in conducting on-the-spot investigations.

UFO News from Around the World

• UFO AFRINEWS: Mentions the upcoming third edition of this publication.
• UFO NORWAY NEWS: Reports on UFO activity in Norway.
• PHANTOMS OF THE SKY: A likely article title, suggesting content related to aerial UFO sightings.
• THE MYSTERIOUS BERMUDA TRIANGLE: An article exploring phenomena in this region.
• FORUM HEARS ABOUT 'UFO VISITORS': A report on a forum discussing UFO visitors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of physical traces left by UFOs (crop circles, dust), the potential connection between UFOs and natural resources like water, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of open investigation and critical analysis of UFO phenomena, challenging conventional scientific explanations when they fail to account for witness testimony and physical evidence. The publication aims to inform its members and the public about UFO activity and research, encouraging interest and participation.

This issue of THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN, dated approximately November 1989, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society and focuses on various UFO-related investigations and reports from Australia and around the world.

Sub-Surface Soil Hardness

The issue begins with a detailed examination of soil samples, likely from a UFO-related site. The sub-surface soil was found to be hard, compact, and grainy, appearing as if a liquid or glue had soaked into it and set. The sub-structure showed no pattern or layering, resembling compacted ploughed soil with remnants of organic materials. The hardened layer had characteristics of baked clay or pottery, but with too much sand to guarantee strength. Despite its hardened nature, the soil would decay over time into smaller pieces. The weight of the samples was impressive due to their compact state. A significant finding was the presence of a network of small holes, ranging from 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm in diameter, extending to a depth of about 50 mm. These holes resembled worm or ant caves but did not connect to any destination, and their shape was constant and random in direction. They were not caused by root growth, and no insect residue was found. The holes displayed characteristics of trapped gas pockets, similar to volcanic pumice stone, with sand grains or dust plastered around the cavity's circumference. A magnetic soil test using a strong bar magnet yielded no material attachment, indicating no significant magnetic properties in the soil within or outside the rings.

Unusual Incident

A report details an unusual incident that occurred in May 1989 near the Jollys' home. At approximately 9 o'clock one night, 700 ewes and lambs in a field became panicked, distressed, and ran berserk. The witness, STUART, observed a yellow light above the ground in the direction of the field. Upon investigating by car, he could no longer locate the light but heard a weird high-pitched sound, similar to a jet engine or a large group of cicadas, coming from the dark sky. Later that night, Max and Nancee Jolly returned home and were told of the incident. They reinvestigated the location and were amazed.

The following morning, the family observed a large WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE with a 2-meter wingspan stumbling around the paddock in a dazed condition, its wings spread out and touching the ground. It flapped its wings but seemed unable to fly. The next morning, the eagle was gone, and no trace of the light's origin was found.

Conclusion

Further research was being conducted on the soil samples, and the assistance of the Jolly family was acknowledged. The report concludes that no explanation for the rings has been found.

What Price Criticism!

This section features a commentary by Mrs. Cynthia Hind, reflecting on criticism within UFO investigation. Hind argues that while uncritical work is often inaccurate, excessive criticism can obscure the basic truth of a story. She uses the Gulf Breeze UFO case, sighted and photographed by an anonymous 'Mr Ed', as an example where the witness's background led to skepticism, despite other witnesses. Hind also recalls her opposition to Hilary Evans' handling of the Broadhaven case in Wales, where a witness's criminal conviction led to his evidence being dismissed, despite corroborating evidence from other reliable witnesses. She emphasizes the need for critical faculties in investigators but also for tolerance and understanding.

Rosemead Tennis Court Affair

The article discusses the Rosemead Tennis Court Affair in Africa, where a professor from Witwatersrand University dismissed the event as a 'whirlwind' without visiting the site or questioning witnesses. The author contrasts this with their own extensive investigation, which involved talking to witnesses, the Chief of Police, and the Headmaster, and concluded that the event was something the witnesses would never understand, not a whirlwind or lightning on a cloudless day.

Another anecdote involves two jets from the Zimbabwean Air Force chasing an unidentified object. The Commander of the Air Force confirmed it was unidentified, but the author later discovered a weather balloon had drifted into the area. The Commander refused to accept this explanation, stating his pilots knew an unidentified object when they saw one.

The author poses the question of where to draw the line in questioning witness evidence, especially when the investigator is logical and truthful.

Case 5: Travelling Car, Worcester-Beaufort West, 1952/53

This case report details an encounter experienced by DG and three other bowlers on a journey in South Africa. While driving near Laingsburg, they observed a glowing green ball hovering near their car. The interior of the car was lit up, and the object moved to the front. As it passed, the car's engine cut out. After restarting, the object reappeared, causing the engine to cut out again. The witnesses climbed out to observe it. The object, described as a dim, somewhat circular shape through a brightly glowing mist, was estimated to be the size of a large tractor wheel. George, one of the witnesses, felt unwell and experienced eye pain after looking directly at the light. The object then shot away rapidly and vanished. Upon arrival at Beaufort West, George required medical attention for swollen and sore eyes.

UFO Norway News

This section reports on a sighting in Gudbrandsdalen valley, Norway, on Friday, 6 November 1987. Anny and Line Hammervold observed a hat-shaped object with 'claws' and multiple light points moving in a stepwise manner. The object appeared to be inverted, made up of light points, with two 'feet' underneath resembling 'crabclaws' sprinkled with tiny lights. The object shifted position, moved closer, and then shot away rapidly. The witnesses were certain it was not a plane or a light reflection. Additional observations suggest similar phenomena were reported in the same area in early 1988.

The Mysterious Bermuda Triangle

This article, reprinted from the Express-News, San Antonio, TX, discusses the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. It traces the phenomenon back to Christopher Columbus's log in 1492, noting compass malfunctions. It also highlights incidents involving Charles Lindbergh in 1926 and the disappearance of five Navy Grumman Avenger torpedo bombers and a Martin Mariner seaplane in 1945. Theories range from UFO activity causing electronic waves to periodic electromagnetic disturbances or even a hoax. The article notes the lack of wreckage or debris in many disappearances and the inconclusive findings of official boards of inquiry.

Forum Hears About ‘UFO Visitors’

This report from the Home Reporter & Sunset News, Brooklyn, NY, details personal accounts of encounters with 'alien visitors' shared at a Bay Ridge Forum meeting. Lorie Barnes, secretary to author Whitley Strieber, described her experiences, including a message from 'Soltec' and seeing a bluish-silver ship. Sisters Sarah Hartmann and Sherri Tenenbaum also shared their encounters, with Hartmann describing a 'large black box' object and Tenenbaum expressing initial skepticism.

Society History

This section provides a history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS). It traces the origins of UFO research groups in Australia from the early 1950s, including the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau and the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. The Victorian Branch was formed in 1957 and evolved into the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. The society has published papers, including the Australian Flying Saucer Review and the Australian UFO Bulletin, and has maintained a large UFO library. Membership is open to those genuinely interested in the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed case studies of UFO sightings and encounters, analysis of physical evidence (such as soil samples), historical investigations, and critical perspectives on UFO research methodology and the handling of evidence. The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, as the publisher, appears to maintain a scientific and dispassionate approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging detailed investigation and analysis while also acknowledging the challenges posed by skepticism and the need for critical evaluation of witness testimony and evidence. The inclusion of articles on the Bermuda Triangle and personal encounter stories suggests a broad scope of interest within the UFO community.